In my perfect sustainable wardrobe scenario, I would have a modest number of pieces that I love. I'd wear them, repair them + wear them out. The worn out pieces would simply be replaced seasonally.
Unfortunately, my experience is a bit messier than that. Sometimes I try things that don't end up getting worn as much as I'd like. Luckily, secondhand clothing is cool, so I can often resell even my secondhand purchases.
A few ways to let things go + earn:
When we value selling this way, we are also exposed to purchasing this way. Secondhand shopping is not only easier on our budget, but it keeps things out of the landfill + extends the value of the resources (soil, crops, water, dyes, power, transportation) + work (of farmers + garment workers) already used! Yay!!
I often let my selling earnings get absorbed into our big budget, but this year I kept those earnings separate + used them as the budget for my shopping list. By keeping my wants small, I was able to recycle my budget as well as my clothing this season. This doesn't make anything free. That money was money I spent, but it does feel like recycling much of its value. That feels pretty good!
Love,
Jane
Unfortunately, my experience is a bit messier than that. Sometimes I try things that don't end up getting worn as much as I'd like. Luckily, secondhand clothing is cool, so I can often resell even my secondhand purchases.
A few ways to let things go + earn:
- list things for sale on a resale site :: like Poshmark, Noihsaf Baazar or Ebay :: I usually do this with my name brand things. I try to price them enticingly, so that they move quickly. My goal is to get things worn.
- list + earn credit on a brand's resale site :: like Outerknown, Doen or Patagonia :: We do this with my partner's clothing, since it seems like the more direct route for men's wear. Again, price to move.
- bring a bag of things to a local resale shop :: like Buffalo Exchange, Arizona Trading or Plato's Closet :: These places like certain brands + styles (mall resale?) that the shops reflect.
- send a bag of things to a listing site :: like Thredup :: It's a time saver, because they do the listing.
- bring worn jeans to Madewell for savings on your next pair of jeans :: If a brand works, stick with it. There are lots of fair-trade certified jeans at Madewell.
- consign at a local consignment shop
- attend a clothing swap :: Instant out-with-the-old/in-with-the-new-to-you gratification. Don't be afraid to come home with less than you brought. :) The leftovers can be donated.
- have a well-curated yard sale with a few friends :: Again, agree to donate what's left before you start! :)
- (a note on those bag-up-your-discards + send-them-to-us-for-a-discount-on-our-site offers :: My thought is that my donations probably do more good in my town rather than accumulating in Los Angeles. They seem like a recipe for bailing + sending overseas. If I donate in my town, it saves on transportation too.)
When we value selling this way, we are also exposed to purchasing this way. Secondhand shopping is not only easier on our budget, but it keeps things out of the landfill + extends the value of the resources (soil, crops, water, dyes, power, transportation) + work (of farmers + garment workers) already used! Yay!!
I often let my selling earnings get absorbed into our big budget, but this year I kept those earnings separate + used them as the budget for my shopping list. By keeping my wants small, I was able to recycle my budget as well as my clothing this season. This doesn't make anything free. That money was money I spent, but it does feel like recycling much of its value. That feels pretty good!
Love,
Jane
